Everybody Benefits from Braces!

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

--Carlson Orthodontics

Moooooove over Gum Disease!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call Carlson Orthodontics us at 218-206-8209.

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Carlson started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however,Dr. Carlson decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Crazy Hat Days At Carlson Orthodontics

We like to have fun at Carlson Orthodontics, whether it is a patient appreciation night at a baseball game, a contest in our office, and every so often we like to dress up and decorate the office in a theme chosen by our staff members. In July we celebrated "Crazy Hat Days". Stay tuned for our next fun event, or ask our front desk staff for more information!

--Carlson Orthodontics

Patient Appreciation Day With the Duluth Huskies and Carlson Orthodontics

A huge thank you to all our patients who attended the first Carlson Orthodontics patient appreciation day on August 5th. Our Duluth Huskies beat the Mankato Moondogs 2-1!

Abigail Gilbert won a Huskies sweatshirt for wearing her Carlson Orthodontics t-shirt, and Ty Sarkela won a $50 Best Buy gift card (all patients in attendance were entered). If you missed this event, keep an eye on this blog and our website and social networks for news on our next patient appreciation day!

Summer Contest at Carlson Orthodontics!

Carlson Orthodontics has officially began our summer contest!

"Where in the World is Your Carlson Orthodontics T-shirt?"

Take a picture while wearing your Carlson Orthodontics T-shirt and send it or email it to us before August 31st. One winner will be drawn from the photos we receive and he or she will take home a $250.00 VISA gift card! To get started, pick up your T-shirt at either of our convenient Carlson Orthodontics offices!

Open to all patients in active treatment or retention.

Good luck to everyone!

A Sour Smile is not a Happy Smile, from Carlson Orthodontics

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Carlson Orthodontics thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Carlson Orthodontics(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Carlson Orthodontics.